View full sizeAP PhotoMichigan State center Derrick Nix might have played his final game as a Spartan after being arrested on two misdemeanor charges Thursday, leaving Tom Izzo with a decision to make.

EAST LANSING -- Last Tuesday during the noon hour, Tom Izzo held his season-ending news conference and talked about Derrick Nix as a top candidate for becoming a team captain next season, with the Michigan State coach adding he would use April as a time to see who would live up to the responsibility.

It was the latest twist in the mercurial career for Nix, who over three years in the program had gone from overweight potential transfer to potential team leader.

Nix had tears in his eyes while speaking with students during an uncertain time in 2010 when Izzo was considering leaving the school to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers. Months later during the season, Michigan State went to the Maui Invitational without a frustrated Nix before he rejoined the team after meeting with coaches and players.

Nix ultimately dedicated himself to losing weight in the offseason and was listed this season at 270 pounds, as the school reported he had lost about 70 pounds from his all-time weight. With a new body, Nix had his best season, averaging 8.1 points and 3.8 rebounds while establishing himself as one of the team’s most reliable bench players and best passers.

“You know, it's an interesting dynamic here because two years ago I didn't know if Nix would be here, to be honest with you,” Izzo said last week. “His philosophy and mine were white and black. They were just completely different. I don't mean white and black racially, I mean white and black color.

“What I found out is right now, the guy who has made the most sacrifice on this current team has been Derrick.”

According to the school’s student-athlete handbook, a player who is convicted of a felony will be suspended. Izzo after learning of Nix’s arrest on misdemeanor charges handed down his suspension immediately.

Nix might have played his final game as a Spartan and said his final words to the team when he spoke up following the loss last month to Louisville in the Sweet 16 and thanked seniors Draymond Green and Austin Thornton for showing him how to be a leader.

If Nix, the team’s lone senior-to-be, demonstrates to Izzo he remains deserving of a Spartans jersey, he’ll face questions as to how he could still be considered a leader of any kind.

Michigan State had visions of being a top-10 team next year even without an All-American in Green, with starters Keith Appling, Branden Dawson and Adreian Payne returning and Nix taking over for Green as a captain.

Not one day after the national championship game, Izzo must now consider leaving Nix behind once again.